Is there really DDR3 memory that is specially dedicated for the Intel platform or AMD platform? I'm in the middle of assembling a comp consisting of fx-6300 CPU and Asus M5A97 EVO R2.0 mobo, and looking for memory for this configuration. I've been visiting some stores and noticed that some DDR3 memory is marked as XMP, which is some sort of Intel memory profile. Can it be used for my AMD platform - will it work well? Generally speaking, does it matter when the description of DDR3 memory says "dedicated for Intel" or something? Frankly, I've never come across "dedicated for AMD." It's either "dedicated for Intel" or nothing...

As for this Intel XMP thing, I also know that something called AMD memory profile, so maybe it's better to look for A DDR3 that supports that?

Also, for my platform I was planning 2x4GB 1600 DDR3 memory. Would you say it's OK? What about CL? 8? 9? Does it really matter much in terms of performance? I was thinking about Corsair, e.g. CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9 or CMZ8GX3M2A1600C8 (they do have XMP though). What do you think? Or maybe you have a better suggestion?

XMP just means eXtreme Memory Profile. Basically it can be "tweaked" by nothing more than a BIOS change. XMP will work with Intel and AMD. If you want very specific AMD memory they sell some but as I recall it's a tad overpriced.http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductLi ... IsNodeId=1Any RAM you get will work as long as it's DDR3. From there it's just speed ratings and RAM timings. If you feel uncomfortable playing in the BIOS get some DDR3 1600 and call it a day.

just go with any well known ddr3 1600mhz memory. cl8 vs cl9 does yeild much performance difference. personally if you can get cl8 for the same price as cl9 then go for it. i think ddr3 1600 is the best price to performance ratio from all memory and for that reason is the best for most gaming systems.